Be Alert

Be visible and be aware

Even if you are obeying all traffic laws, there is a risk of being involved in a crash if another bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorist isn’t obeying the law or isn’t able to see a dangerous situation ahead. Ride or walk cautiously!

Watch others who are waiting at stop signs or in driveways, or who are in parking spaces. They may be preparing to pull out.

Look out for others who may not see you when they are preparing to turn.

Watch for oncoming traffic that may be preparing to turn left.

Always be prepared to stop suddenly or to take other evasive action.

Riding and walking at night, in rainy, or snowy conditions

Be visible—use lights and reflectors. Wear reflective or bright colored clothes to increase visibility. Bicyclists and pedestrians should wear white, yellow, or lime green clothing. Red is NOT a good color since it looks black in the fading light.

Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise must (by law) have:

At least one white head lamp on the front of the bike with a light that is visible at least 500 feet (10-watt halogen, 1-watt LED minimum.)

A rear red reflector. On roads with speed limits of 35 mph or greater, one red taillight visible from 600 feet* to the rear is required. Rear lights are safer than reflectors!

Taillights may be steady or blinking and may be attached to the bicycle or rider. Additional lights and reflectors will improve visibility. Lights may also improve your visibility during the day.

Take extra care when daylight savings changes, as it stays dark later, or gets dark earlier.

Crash facts

Most vehicle and bicycle collisions occur when turning at intersections. Watch for vehicles turning both left and right at intersections and driveways.
Fatal crashes peak in the evening, often with alcohol as a contributing factor. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)